Ian Dawson’s dream of a Jarvis-style computing interface seems to be coming true. This multi-talented CG veteran began his career in graphic design, before moving into producing and creating flying logos throughout the 90s. He then moved into advertising, and title sequences and VFX sequences for movies including the Iron Man trilogy, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, picking up work in AR and VR along the way.
Ian talks through his career and the technology that has helped define it, from the obscenely expensive days of Quantel’s PaintBox and Harry systems, to today’s cheap and accessible VFX software and systems. He gives an interesting update on the state of AR and VR systems, which are undergoing a mini-resurgence thanks to Apple’s Vision Pro and Microsoft’s AI integration in its AR systems. Ian also shares advice about the industry, including the pros and cons of profit sharing.
Links:
0:05:50 From Graphics Design to Flying Logos – Ian's Start
0:07:27 Navigating the 90s with PaintBox and Harry
0:10:17 Transitioning into Advertising and Title Sequences
0:16:03 Blockbuster VFX – Iron Man, Star Wars, and More
0:21:46 The Rise of AR and VR in Ian’s Career
0:27:38 Bringing Jarvis to Life – The Future of AI in AR
0:33:21 Reflections on the State of AR and VR Today
0:40:02 Navigating Industry Shifts and Profit Sharing Insights
0:44:56 From Obscenely Expensive to Easily Accessible – VFX Evolution
0:51:01 The Reality of Big Studios vs. Independent Creators
0:53:56 The Impact of Strikes and Economic Challenges on VFX
0:58:04 The Future of Content Creation – Embracing New Paradigms
1:01:11 Ian’s Advice for Surviving and Thriving in VFX
Chris is a CG industry veteran and Director of Chaos Labs. He can also be heard regularly as the host of the CG Garage podcast which attracts 20,000 weekly listeners. With a background in both VFX and Design, Chris has worked for Gensler, Digital Domain, Imageworks and Method Studios. His credits include Maleficent, Oblivion and Tron: Legacy.